Magnetic sign holder and system

ABSTRACT

A magnetic sign holder and system including a substantially flat accommodating portion formed of a ferromagnetic material to accommodate the magnetic sign, and one or more mounting brackets extending from one or more sides of the accommodating portion to affix the holder to a supporting member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/186,422 filed onFeb. 21, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/810,924, filed onApr. 11, 2013.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present general inventive concept relates generally to a magneticsign holder, and, more particularly, to a mountable metal holder and/orsystem which accommodates one or more readily interchangeable logomagnets.

BACKGROUND

In order to show support for various favorite sports teams, politicalcauses, etc., people often display associated logos in the form ofmagnetic signs. As an example, fans of a particular professionalfootball team may affix a team magnet decorated with that team's emblemon the back of a car during transit to and from a game, or simplythroughout the season, to show support for the team. Such magnetic signsare popular, and fans often buy multiple such signs for different teamsand causes.

However, some owners may wish to display these magnetic signs in a morevisible way than just on the back or sides of their cars. But, as thesigns are magnetic and typically need to be affixed to a metal surface,the options for mounting the signs may be somewhat limited. On a relatednote, more permanent, e.g., non-magnetic, team logo signs may beacquired and affixed on or near the home, but such signs are onerous toremove or change out with the changing sports seasons, or at other timesduring which the owner may wish to display the signs.

Therefore, a user may desire a more static accommodation on which toaffix magnetic signs in an easy fashion, and one on which differentmagnetic signs may be readily interchanged, which would be animprovement over more permanent types of displays such as painted orotherwise permanently affixed logos, emblems, etc.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present general inventive concept provides a magnetic sign holder onwhich one or more magnetic signs may be accommodated and readilyexchanged, and which may be easily attached to different types ofsupporting members. The present general inventive concept also providesa system including the magnetic sign holder and magnetic signs, and amethod of providing the magnetic signs.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present general inventiveconcept will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and,in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned bypractice of the present general inventive concept.

The foregoing and/or other aspects and advantages of the present generalinventive concept may be achieved by a magnetic sign holder comprising asubstantially flat accommodating portion formed of a ferromagneticmaterial to accommodate the magnetic sign, and one or more mountingbrackets extending from one or more sides of the accommodating portionto affix the holder to a supporting member.

The magnetic sign holder may include two mounting brackets extendingfrom one side of the accommodating portion.

Each of the mounting brackets may include at least one through hole toreceive a mounting screw or other adhering member.

Each of the mounting brackets may be bent approximately 90 degrees at apredetermined point between the accommodating portion and the throughhole.

Each of the mounting brackets may include one or more notched portionsat a location at which the mounting bracket is bent, the one or morenotched portions being bent inwardly from the predetermined point havingthe approximately 90 degrees bend to receive a suspension member bywhich to hang the magnetic sign holder.

The magnetic sign holder may include one or more mounting bracketsextending from each of two adjacent sides of the accommodating portion.

Each of the mounting brackets may include at least one through hole toreceiving a mounting screw.

Each of the mounting brackets may be bent approximately 90 degrees at apredetermined point between the accommodating portion and the throughhole.

The one or more mounting brackets may extend continuously from theaccommodating portion.

The one or more mounting brackets may be fixed to the accommodatingportion.

The magnetic sign holder may further include one or more decorativebodies extending from one or more sides of the accommodating portion.

The one or more decorative bodies may extend continuously from theaccommodating portion.

The one or more decorative bodies may be a lace pattern.

The lace pattern may extend from two adjacent sides of the accommodatingportion.

The magnetic sign holder may further include at least one bracing memberextending between the mounting brackets to reduce deformation of theaccommodating portion due to external forces on the accommodatingportion.

At least one bracing member may be formed integrally with the mountingbrackets and/or accommodating portion.

The magnetic sign holder may further include an attachable supportingmember configured to be attachable to the mounting brackets and asupport structure.

The attachable supporting member may be provided with through holes toreceive adhering members to respectively attach the supporting member tothe support structure and the mounting brackets.

The attachable supporting member may be configured as an L-shapedbracket to which the mounting brackets may be adhered to support themagnetic sign holder from above and/or below.

The foregoing and/or other aspects and advantages of the present generalinventive concept may also be achieved by a magnetic sign holder systemincluding a magnetic sign holder including a substantially flataccommodating portion formed of a ferromagnetic material to accommodatethe magnetic sign, and one or more mounting brackets extending from oneor more sides of the accommodating portion to couple the magnetic signholder to a supporting member, and a mounting frame having a receivingportion to couple the magnetic sign holder to the mounting frame.

The magnetic sign holder system may also include one or more magneticsigns that are selectively adhered to the magnetic sign holder.

The magnetic signs may display one or more photographs, illustrations,alphanumeric characters, logos, and/or other indicia.

The magnetic sign holder and the mounting frame may be formed of acommon material.

The mounting frame may be provided with at least one angled end to bedriven into the ground.

The mounting frame may be provided with suspension members at a top sideto suspend the magnetic sign holder therefrom.

The suspension members may include eyes integrated with the mountingframe, and hook members to couple the eyes of the mounting frame to themounting brackets of the magnetic sign holder.

A top portion of the mounting frame may be supported by a single sideportion.

The mounting frame may be provided with one or more anchoring portionsextending from a bottom of the single side portion to anchor themounting frame in the ground or other foundation.

A push member may be provided proximate to a bottom of the single sideportion such that a user may apply force to the push member to driveanchoring portions into the ground.

One or more anchoring portions may be provided to the push member toanchor the mounting frame in the ground or other foundation.

The foregoing and/or other aspects and advantages of the present generalinventive concept may also be achieved by a method of producing apersonalized magnetic sign, the method including displaying a userinterface to be used by a user to personalize a magnetic sign, acquiringan image desired by a user to be provided on a magnetic sign, andapplying the image to the magnetic sign.

The user interface may be provided through an online website.

The user interface may be provided at a local display.

The image may include information from one or more images scanned at thelocal display.

The image may include digital data uploaded by the user.

The image may include one or more photographs, illustrations,alphanumeric characters, logos, or any combination thereof.

The method may further include displaying one or more previously storedphotographs, illustrations, alphanumeric characters, logos, or anycombination thereof that a user may choose to include in thepersonalized magnetic sign.

The foregoing and/or other aspects and advantages of the present generalinventive concept may also be achieved by a magnetic sign systemincluding a magnetic sign formed of a ferromagnetic material and havinga fixed design thereon, and a plurality of ferromagnetic indicia to beselectively applied to and removed from the magnetic sign to customizethe magnetic sign.

The magnetic sign system may further include a magnetic sign holderhaving a substantially flat accommodating portion formed of aferromagnetic material to accommodate the magnetic sign, and one or moremounting members extending from one or more sides of the accommodatingportion to affix the magnetic sign holder to a supporting body.

The ferromagnetic indicia may include one or more photographs,illustrations, alphanumeric characters, logos, or any combinationthereof.

A first side of the magnetic sign may be provided with a first fixeddesign thereon, and a second side of the magnetic sign is provided witha second fixed design thereon.

The fixed design may include one or more designated areas to feature theferromagnetic indicia.

The foregoing and/or other aspects and advantages of the present generalinventive concept may also be achieved by a magnetic sign including abase layer of ferromagnetic material having a fixed design provided onat least one side, and a transparent covering, adhered to the at leastone side of the base layer having the fixed design, configured toreceive and support temporary markings made by a marking instrument.

The transparent covering may include one or more plastic and/orpolycarbonate materials.

The transparent covering may include polyethylene, polyvinyl,polypropylene, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, or any combinationthereof.

At least a portion of the fixed design may be provided with delineatedareas designating corresponding areas of the transparent covering to beillustrated with the temporary markings.

The delineated areas may include indicators corresponding to one or morepreferred colors to be used for the respective delineated areas.

Other features and aspects may be apparent from the following detaileddescription, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following example embodiments are representative of exampletechniques and structures designed to carry out the objects of thepresent general inventive concept, but the present general inventiveconcept is not limited to these example embodiments. In the accompanyingdrawings and illustrations, the sizes and relative sizes, shapes, andqualities of lines, entities, and regions may be exaggerated forclarity. A wide variety of additional embodiments will be more readilyunderstood and appreciated through the following detailed description ofthe example embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a magnetic sign holder according to an exampleembodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example use of the magnetic sign holderillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate various mounting bracket configurations for themagnetic sign holder according to example embodiments of the presentgeneral inventive concept;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example use of a magnetic sign holder having themounting brackets illustrated in FIG. 3C according to an embodiment ofthe present general inventive concept;

FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate various example uses of magnetic sign holdersaccording to example embodiments of the present general inventiveconcept;

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate an example formation of the bracket 30 of FIG. 1is formed according to the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example use of a magnetic sign holder having themounting brackets illustrated in FIG. 3B according to an embodiment ofthe present general inventive concept;

FIG. 8 illustrates a magnetic sign holder system including a mountingframe according to an embodiment of the present general inventiveconcept;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of providing a magneticsign according to an embodiment of the present general inventiveconcept;

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial cross-section of a magnetic sign accordingto an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 11 illustrates a magnetic sign according to another exampleembodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 12 illustrates a magnetic sign according to yet another exampleembodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 13 illustrates a magnetic sign holder according to another exampleembodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate a magnetic sign holder system including anattachable supporting member according to an example embodiment of thepresent general inventive concept;

FIG. 17 illustrates a magnetic sign holder system including a mountingframe according to another example embodiment of the present generalinventive concept;

FIG. 18 illustrates an example use of the magnetic sign holder havingthe mounting brackets illustrated in FIG. 3B and the bracing memberillustrated in FIG. 13, according to an embodiment of the presentgeneral inventive concept; and

FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C illustrate a magnetic sign holder systemincluding an alternate embodiment mounting frame, in variousconfigurations, according to another example embodiment of the presentgeneral inventive concept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to various example embodiments of the presentgeneral inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings and illustrations. The example embodiments aredescribed herein in order to explain the present general inventiveconcept by referring to the figures.

The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader ingaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses,and/or systems described herein. Accordingly, various changes,modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and/orsystems described herein will be suggested to those of ordinary skill inthe art. The described progression of processing operations describedare merely examples, however, and the sequence of operations is notlimited to that set forth herein and may be changed as is known in theart, with the exception of operations necessarily occurring in a certainorder. Also, description of well-known functions and constructions maybe omitted for increased clarity and conciseness.

Various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, asdescribed herein, provide a magnetic sign holder which may be attachedto a supporting member, and which may also be used as a supportingmember in some example embodiments, and upon which magnetic signs may bereadily attached and detached. Thus, users having various magnetic signsdisplaying sports team emblems, logos, holiday greetings, etc., mayattach and detach and change out the magnetic signs in a ready fashionas often as they wish. Instead of a relatively more permanent sign, suchas a painted one, a user may apply a magnetic sign having a favoritecollege team's logo on Saturday, exchange the sign for one having afavorite professional team's logo on Sunday, and exchange that sign forone having holiday greetings or the like on Monday. Alternatively, theuser may leave a magnetic sign up for an extended period.

There are many different types of signs that a user may wish to display,and those signs may include illustrations, photos, words, or anycombination thereof. For instance, users may want to display theaforementioned sports team logos, with either national or regionalconnections. A user may want to display seasonal greetings for holidayssuch as Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, and so on. A user may wantto display personalized signs including photos and/or names of familymembers or pets. A user may wish to announce special occasions with themagnetic signs, such as births, birthday greetings, the gender of anewborn, and so on. In various example embodiments described below, theillustrations, pictures, and/or text displayed on the magnetic signs maybe generally referred to as indicia.

FIG. 1 illustrates a magnetic sign holder according to an exampleembodiment of the present general inventive concept. The magnetic signholder 10 in the example of FIG. 1 includes a substantially flataccommodating portion 20, and four mounting brackets 30 extending fromtwo adjacent sides of the accommodating portion 20 to affix the holderto a supporting member. It is noted that the circle on square pattern ofthe accommodating portion 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely one exampleof the many possible designs of the accommodating portion 20. Similarly,though the example magnetic sign holder 10 of FIG. 1 includes fourmounting brackets 30, various other example embodiments may have one ormore mounting brackets extending from one or more sides of the magneticsign holder. For example, as will be described later, the magnetic signholder 10 may only include two mounting brackets extending from oneside. Also, the configuration of the one or more brackets may varyaccording to other various example embodiments of the present generalinventive concept.

A magnetic sign 50 is illustrated as being attached to the magnetic signholder 10, and maintains adherence to the sign holder 10 throughmagnetic properties.

According to various example embodiments, the accommodating portion 20may be formed of any of various ferromagnetic materials such as, forexample, iron, nickel, cobalt, alloys of such metals, such as steel,alloys that combine a transition metal selected from the groupconsisting of iron, nickel, and cobalt with at least one other materialselected from the group consisting of boron, carbon, silicon,phosphorus, aluminum, magnesium, manganese, bismuth, antimony, arsenic,gallium, germanium, and so on. It is noted that the list of materialsabove is not exhaustive, and that the accommodating portion 20 merelyneeds to possess ferromagnetic properties such that a magnetic sign willadhere to the accommodating portion 20. In some example embodiments, arigid ferromagnetic metal may be utilized to provide sufficient rigidityto enable the sign holder to provide support for another body attachedabove, below, or to one or more sides of the sign holder, or to providesupport for another body resting upon the sign holder.

In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the mounting brackets30 each include at least one through hole 40 to receive a mounting screw(not illustrated) or other such attachment members. Also, the mountingbrackets 30 illustrated in FIG. 1 are bent approximately 90 degrees at apredetermined point between the accommodating portion 20 and the throughhole 40. Such a configuration allows the mounting brackets 30 to eitherreceive or provide support to an attached member. Both possibilities areillustrated in FIG. 2, which illustrates an example use of the magneticsign holder illustrated in FIG. 1.

In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the magnetic signholder 20 is attached to a mailbox post 60 by mounting screws (notshown) which have been screwed into the mailbox post 60 through thethrough holes 40 of the mounting brackets 30 adjacent to the mailboxpost 60. The cantilever 62 upon which the mailbox 64 is supported isitself supported by the magnetic sign holder 10. More particularly, themagnetic sign holder 10 is attached to the cantilever 62 by mountingscrews (not shown) which have been screwed into the cantilever 62through the through holes 40 of the mounting brackets 30 adjacent to thecantilever 62, and the rigidity of the magnetic sign holder 10 providessupport to the cantilever 62. More detail of this arrangement isillustrated in FIG. 5A, which will be described later. Also, due to thebent portion of the mounting brackets 30, a portion of the mountingbrackets 30 past the bend may provide support to the cantilever 62without being attached by mounting screws or other means. In otherexample embodiments, the magnetic sign holder 10 may provide support forthe cantilever 62 without mounting brackets 30 being provided to theupper portion of the accommodating portion 20, since the rigidity of theferromagnetic material allows cantilever 62 to merely rest upon the topportion of the magnetic sign holder 10. In other words, according tovarious example embodiments of the present general inventive concept,the ferromagnetic material which forms the magnetic sign holder 10 is ofa rigid enough structure to bear weight rested upon the magnetic signholder 10, or fixed thereto, and in some cases may operate similar to acantilever type support.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate various mounting bracket configurations for themagnetic sign holder 10 according to example embodiments of the presentgeneral inventive concept. FIG. 3A illustrates the mounting bracket 30previously described in relation to FIG. 1, in which the mountingbracket 30 is bent approximately 90 degrees at a predetermined pointbetween the accommodating portion 20 and the through hole 40. FIG. 3Billustrates a mounting bracket 32 that is not bent, and is ratherconfigured as a straight tab for which the through hole 40 isapproximately parallel with the accommodating portion 20 of the magneticsign holder 10.

FIG. 3C illustrates a mounting bracket 34 similar in structure to themounting bracket 30 of FIG. 3A, except for two notched portions 36 at alocation at which the mounting bracket 34 is bent. The notched portions36 are bent inwardly from the overall angle, which may be approximately90 degrees, made by the bend in the mounting bracket 34. As the notchedportions 36 are bent inwardly and partially separated from the bend ofthe mounting bracket 34, an opening is provided which may receive asuspension member by which to hang the magnetic sign holder, asillustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example use of a magnetic sign holder 10 havingthe mounting brackets 34 illustrated in FIG. 3C, according to anembodiment of the present general inventive concept. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the magnetic sign holder 10 is suspended by two hooks 38, ratherthan being mounted to a supporting body via the through holes 40. Thehooks 38 pass through the opening formed by the notched portions 36, andthe magnetic sign holder 10 is supported in an approximately verticalfashion due to the hooks being accommodated so closely to the portionsof the mounting brackets 34 that are parallel to the accommodatingportion 20.

FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate various example uses of magnetic sign holdersaccording to example embodiments of the present general inventiveconcept. FIG. 5A is another view illustrating the mounting configurationillustrated in FIG. 2, in which mounting brackets 30 are provided onadjacent sides of the accommodating portion 20 both to provide supportto the magnetic sign holder 10 due to the attachment to the mailboxpost, and also to provide support to the cantilever supporting themailbox through the attachment of the magnetic sign holder 10 to thecantilever. Also, as previously described, the top of the magnetic signholder 10 does not necessarily have to be attached to the cantilever toprovide support, as the cantilever may simply rest upon the top mountingbrackets 30 or upon the magnetic sign holder 10 itself. Although twomounting brackets are illustrated as being provided on various sides ofthe magnetic sign holders 10 in these examples, one or three or moremounting brackets 30 may be provided in other various examples of thepresent general inventive concept.

FIG. 5B illustrates a magnetic sign holder 10 in which mounting brackets30 have only been provided to one side of the accommodating portion 20,the mounting brackets being attached to a supporting member such as apost. FIG. 5C illustrates a different orientation of the magnetic signholder 10 illustrated in FIG. 5B, in which the mounting brackets 30 havebeen attached to a supporting member above the magnetic sign holder 10.In this example embodiment, the appearance of the magnetic sign holderdoes not change according to the example embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 5B-5C, due to the symmetrical shape of the accommodating portion20. However, the present general inventive concept is not limited tosuch a symmetrical configuration. For example, FIG. 5D illustrates amagnetic sign holder similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 5A, exceptthe accommodating portion 20 is provided with a decorative body 70 alongadjacent sides of the accommodating portion which are not provided withmounting brackets 30. In this example embodiment, the decorative body isprovided in a lace pattern. However, several different decorativepatterns 70 may be provided to the magnetic sign holder, and may beprovided on one or three or four sides. Additionally, the decorativepatterns 70 may vary on different sides of the magnetic sign holder.

FIG. 5E illustrates an example embodiment of the magnetic sign holder 10in which the mounting brackets 30 are provided on only one side of theaccommodating portion 20, and a mailbox-supporting cantilever issupported by simply resting on a top side of the accommodating portion20 of the magnetic sign holder 10. It is noted that various directionaladjectives such as “top” are used solely in reference to the illustratedconfigurations in these drawings, as the actual top side of the magneticsign holder may depend on various example mounting configurations.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate an example formation of the bracket 30 of FIG. 1is formed according to the present general inventive concept. In thisexample, as in FIG. 1A, a pattern has been punched, cut, etc., from asingle piece of ferromagnetic metal, and the pattern includes both theaccommodating portion 20 and the one or more mounting brackets 30. Theprocess also includes the forming of the through hole 40 at a distal endof the respective one or more mounting brackets 30. In FIG. 6B, afterthe production of the pattern including the accommodating portion 20 andbracket 30 of FIG. 6A, the bracket 30 portion is bent by any of severalknown production methods such that an angle of approximately 90 degreesis formed at a predetermined point between the accommodating portion 20and the through hole 40. It is noted, however, that this is simply oneexample embodiment of the present general inventive concept, and variousother example embodiments may include mounting brackets that areattached to the accommodating portion 20 after the formation of theaccommodating portion 20, by various attachment processes such aswelding and so on.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example use of a magnetic sign holder 10 havingthe mounting brackets illustrated in FIG. 3B according to an embodimentof the present general inventive concept. In this example, as in FIG.1A, a pattern has been punched, cut, etc., from a single piece offerromagnetic metal, and the pattern includes both the accommodatingportion 20 and two flat mounting brackets 32, e.g., configured asstraight tabs for which the corresponding through holes 40 areapproximately parallel with the accommodating portion 20 of the magneticsign holder 10. With various example embodiments such as the oneillustrated in FIG. 7, the magnetic sign holder 10 may be mounted, forexample, to a wall or other flat surface with screws 80 so that the usermay display the magnetic sign of his/her choice. The user may choose toattach the magnetic sign holder 10 to an interior wall of the home, anexterior wall, or any similar flat surface. Also, it is understood thatthe screws 80 used to mount the magnetic sign holder 10 in this exampleare merely one way to attach the magnetic sign holder 10 to a surface,and various other methods and/or devices to adhere the magnetic signholder 10 to a surface may be used within the scope of the presentgeneral inventive concept. For example, this same example embodiment maybe mounted with nails, hooks, etc. As seen in FIG. 18, the magnetic signholder 10 can be provided with a bracing member 130 between the two flatmounting brackets 32.

FIG. 8 illustrates a magnetic sign holder system including a mountingframe according to an embodiment of the present general inventiveconcept. The magnetic sign holder system 82 includes a magnetic signholder 10 coupled to a mounting frame 84. The mounting frame 84illustrated in this example embodiment serves only to support themagnetic sign holder 10, but in various other example embodiments themounting frame 84 may be formed of a rigid and sturdy enough material toalso provide support for bodies placed above, to the side, etc., or tosecure other bodies, such as, for example, a dog chain. The mountingframe 84 illustrated in FIG. 8 is a substantially U-shaped frame havingangled ends 85 to make driving the mounting frame 84 into the ground, orother such base, more convenient for the user. Thus, the user may use ahammer, mallet, or similar implement to drive the mounting frame 84 intothe ground before suspending the magnetic sign holder 10 to the mountingframe 84. It is understood that the configuration of the mounting frame84 illustrated in FIG. 8 is merely one possible type of mounting frame,and various other example embodiments of the present general inventiveconcept may provide any number of configurations and different shapesfrom which to suspend, or to which to mount, the magnetic sign holder10. In various example embodiments, the mounting frame 84 may be formedof the same rigid material as is the magnetic sign holder 10. Variousexample embodiments of the mounting frame 84 may also include one ormore push members (not shown) extending from the mounting frame 84 thata user may use to push the angled ends 85 into the ground. For example,in various example embodiments, one or more such push members may extendfrom one or more sides of the mounting frame 84 such that a user maystep onto the push members to sink the angled ends 85 to the desireddepth, which may leave the push members substantially flush with theground or other base into which the mounting frame 84 is being driven.

The mounting frame 84 may be provided with one or more suspensionmembers 86 from which to suspend the magnetic sign holder 10. In theexample embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the suspension members 86 areloops, or eyes, through which a respective first end of one or mores-hooks 87 may pass to suspend the magnetic sign holder 10 from themounting frame 84. The magnetic sign may be provided with mountingbrackets 34 as illustrated in FIGS. 3C-4, and a respective second end ofthe one or more s-hooks 87 may pass through the opening formed by thenotched portions 36 provided in the mounting brackets 34. In otherwords, as previously described, as the notched portions 36 are bentinwardly and partially separated from the bend of the mounting bracket34, an opening is provided which may receive a suspension member, whichin this example embodiment is an s-hook 87. It is understood that thes-hook 87 and eye 86 suspension arrangement illustrated in FIG. 8 ismerely one example of how the magnetic sign holder 10 may be coupled tothe mounting frame 84, and various other configurations and styles maybe incorporated or substituted. With the configuration illustrated inFIG. 8, the user can easily slip the magnetic sign holder 10 off of thes-hooks 87 to more easily change out the magnetic sign 50. In othervarious example embodiments, the mounting frame 84 may be provided withhooks which may be received by the holes 40 in the brackets 32illustrated in FIG. 3B. In some example embodiments, magnetic signs 50may be provided on both sides of the magnetic sign holder 10. Suchmagnetic sign systems incorporating the mounting frame may be used in agarden, as a grave marker, to secure a pet chain, or any other of avariety of uses.

As previously described, the magnetic signs 50 may be used for a varietyof different occasions, themes, etc. “Do-it-yourself” kits includingvarious customizable magnetic bodies may be provided, so that a user canform and/or customize the magnetic sign to be displayed. For example,magnetic letters may be provided to display the score of a recent gameover a sports logo, or to write a name of a family or other person(s) ona seasonal greeting display. The magnetic signs 50 may even becustomized at a manufacturing point so that personal photos are formedon the sign itself to be displayed. According to one example embodiment,a printing device capable of printing photos, illustrations, and/or texton the magnetic signs 50 may be provided at a business location, and acustomer may simply bring a photo which will be converted to a printableimage that is printed on the magnetic sign 50 while the customer waits.For example, such a device may be provided at a kiosk in a buildingsupply store, and the customer may be provided with a customer interfaceand scanner that allows the customer to customize the magnetic sign 50him/herself, and have the customized magnetic sign 50 within a matter ofminutes. The customer may utilize an integrated scanner to scan thedesired image, or may upload a digital file of the desired image. Inother various example embodiments, a customer may order such acustomized magnetic sign 50 through an online connection with the worldwide web.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of providing a magneticsign according to an embodiment of the present general inventiveconcept. In operation 92 a user may interact with an online website of abusiness entity that will provide and/or produce the customized magneticsign. The website may provide a customer interface that allows thecustomer to select the quantity of signs to be supplied, various shapes,and so on, as well as any image the customer wishes to be printed on themagnetic sign. In operation 94, the user may upload a digital image ofthe photo or other desired indicia to be printed or otherwise providedon the magnetic sign. In various example embodiments, the user may beable to see an illustration of the design placed on the sign, and may begiven options to move or re-size the image, or further customize theimage with graphics, lettering, and so on. In operation 96, thepersonalized indicia finalized by the user through the customerinterface will be printed or otherwise provided on the magnetic sign,which may then be shipped to the user, or otherwise provided for pickupby the user at a designated place.

The magnetic signs 50 used in, and produced for, the magnetic signholder may be configured for various types of customizing according tothe user's preferences. FIG. 10 illustrates a partial cross-section of amagnetic sign according to an example embodiment of the present generalinventive concept. The magnetic sign 50 of FIG. 10 is provided with atransparent covering 101 that may be used to further customize themagnetic sign 50 in a permanent and/or temporary fashion. For example,the covering 101 may be a type of laminate that allows for markings madeby a marking instrument, such as coloring with crayons, magic markers,etc., that may be easily wiped away, or otherwise erased, when the userwishes to change the customized portion of the sign. The transparentcovering 101 may be fabricated from or include one or more of a varietyof plastic or polycarbonate materials, including, but not limited to,polyethylene, polyvinyl, polypropylene, polyvinyl actetate, polyvinylchloride, or a number of other synthetic polymers. In the exampleembodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the transparent covering 101 isprovided on both sides of the magnetic sign 50, but in some exampleembodiments the covering 101 may only be provided on one side of themagnetic sign 50. In various example embodiments, the transparentcovering 101 may be formed on the magnetic sign 50 during themanufacturing process, or may be provided after manufacturing, such aswith a transparent adhesive.

In example embodiments in which the magnetic sign 50 is provided withthe transparent covering 101, one or more areas of the magnetic sign 50may be left relatively plain so that the corresponding area of thetransparent covering 101 may be decorated with various writing,coloring, etc., tools. Such a configuration increases the convenience ofthe user in customizing the magnetic sign 50 for weekly games, partyannouncement times, and so on, since the writing/illustration can simplybe wiped off with any of a number of erasers, cleaners, etc. Themagnetic sign 50 may also be provided with the permanent decoration andtransparent covering 101 on both sides, so that the magnetic sign 50 isreversible on the magnetic sign holder 10.

FIG. 11 illustrates a magnetic sign according to another exampleembodiment of the present general inventive concept. In the exampleembodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the magnetic sign 50 is provided withadditional magnetic indicia 110 and 111, such as photographs,illustrations, alphanumeric characters, logos, etc., that may be appliedto the magnetic sign to customize the appearance according to the user'spreferences. For example, in the example embodiment illustrated in FIG.11, a number of individual magnetic letters 110 have been configured tospell “BEAT THE BEARS” to show support for the user's team for theupcoming game. A magnetic representation of a football 111 has also beenapplied to the sign to further signify the sport which is being alludedto by the other magnetic letters 110. As shown by this drawing, anynumber of alphanumeric characters and other symbols, logos, etc., may beused to show support for athletic teams, make holiday/familyannouncements, and so on. Further, various example embodiments of themagnetic sign 50 may also be provided with the transparent covering 101,which may be configured to be sufficiently thin to allow the magneticindicia 110,111 to adhere to the magnetic sign 50. The magnetic indicia110,111 may also be stackable on one another to allow furthercustomizing options. In other example embodiments, the indicia 110,111used to customize the sign may have adhesive qualities other thanmagnetism, and may be re-usable. For example, the indicia 110,111 may bedie-cut vinyl sheet images which stick to the transparent covering 101through the adhesion that takes place when two highly polished surfacescome in contact with one another. Also, the indicia 110,111 may includea luminescent material, such as, for example, a phosphorescent coating,so that the indicia 110,111 “glow in the dark.” The luminescent materialmay also be incorporated into the fixed illustrations of the magneticsign 50.

FIG. 12 illustrates a magnetic sign according to yet another exampleembodiment of the present general inventive concept. In the exampleembodiment of FIG. 12, the permanent illustration provided on themagnetic sign 50 is a black and white illustration that is arranged withdifferent areas to be colored by the user. As indicated in FIG. 12,different areas of the illustration have borders indicating the end ofthe respective coloring areas, and further have numbers which correspondto specific colors that may be provided in an illustration kit, or maysimply be detailed in instructions that may be used with user suppliedcrayons, markers, etc. The magnetic sign 50 may be provided with thetransparent covering 101 illustrated in FIG. 10 so that the decorationof the magnetic sign 50 may be wiped away and redecorated as desired. Invarious example embodiments, all of the permanent illustration of themagnetic sign 50 may be provided in black and white to be decorated bythe user, and in other various example embodiments only one or moreportions of the magnetic sign 50 may be provided in such a manner. Also,the color by numbers markings may or may not be provided, according tothe various example embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a magnetic sign holder according to another exampleembodiment of the present general inventive concept. In the exampleembodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, the magnetic sign holder 10 isprovided with a bracing member 130 to provide support that helps reduceflexing of the magnetic sign holder 10 due to, for example, wind orother conditions. In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the bracingmember 130 is provided to only one side of the magnetic sign holder 10,that being the side provided with the mounting brackets 34. However,other example embodiments may provide a bracing member 130 to two ormore sides, or any side with mounting brackets, etc. Also, the exampleembodiment illustrated in FIG. 13 illustrates the notched mountingbrackets 34 being provided to the magnetic sign holder 10, but the anytype of mounting brackets may be incorporated with the bracing member130. Further, although the bracing member 130 of this example embodimentis illustrated as being formed with the body of the magnetic sign holder10, in other various example embodiments the bracing member 130 may onlyextend between the mounting brackets themselves. In various exampleembodiments, the bracing member 130 may or may not be formed of the samematerial as the magnetic sign holder 10 and/or mounting brackets 34.Similarly, in various example embodiments the bracing member 130 may beformed separately and attached to the mounting brackets 34 and/or signholder 10 by various types of attachment, rather than being formedintegrally with the mounting brackets 34 and sign holder 10 as is theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 13.

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate a magnetic sign holder system including anattachable supporting member according to an example embodiment of thepresent general inventive concept. FIG. 14 illustrates the attachablesupporting member 140, which in this example embodiment is an L-shapedbracket with through holes 142 provided on either side. It is understoodthat other various example embodiments of the present general inventiveconcept may provide attachable supporting members with different shapesand configurations. It is also noted that the attachable supportingmember 140 is not to be confused with the more generally describedsupporting member in various others of these descriptions, which mayrefer to a structure such as a wall, a mounting frame, etc. In theexample embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the attachable supportingmember 140 is configured to be affixed to a wall by screws 80 or any ofseveral other types of adhering members, such as nails, etc., which maybe applied through the through holes 142 adjacent to the wall (notshown). The remaining through holes 142 may be used in conjunction withthe through holes 40 provided to the mounting brackets 34 of themagnetic sign holder 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 15-16, due to therigidity of the supporting member 140 of this example embodiment, themagnetic sign holder 10 may be configured to be suspended from thesupporting member 140, or to be mounted above the supporting member 140.

FIG. 15 illustrates the magnetic sign holder 10 as being suspended fromthe supporting member 140. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the through holes40 of the mounting brackets 34 are aligned with the through holes 142 ofthe supporting member 140, and the screws 80 may be inserted through thepaired through holes to secure the sign holder 10 to the supportingmember 140. Although the mounting brackets 34 are shown to be providedabove the top surface of the supporting member 34, the mounting brackets34 may be coupled to the supporting member 140 from the underside of thesupporting member as well.

Similarly, FIG. 16 illustrates the magnetic sign holder 10 as beingmounted above the supporting member 140, with the screws 80 similarlyinserted through the paired through holes 40 and 142. As in FIG. 15, themounting configuration illustrated in FIG. 16 may be applied to the topor bottom surface of the outwardly extending portion of the supportingmember 140. It is understood that although the notched mounting brackets34 are illustrated as being coupled to the supporting member 140,various other types of mounting brackets, such as the bracketspreviously discussed in these descriptions, may be used with thesupporting member 140.

FIG. 17 illustrates a magnetic sign holder system including a mountingframe according to another example embodiment of the present generalinventive concept. The magnetic sign holder system in this exampleembodiment includes a magnetic sign holder 10 coupled to a mountingframe 170 in a similar fashion to the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8, but a top portion 172 of the mounting frame 170 illustrated inFIG. 17 is supported by a single side portion 174. Such a configurationmay provide a more desirable appearance to some users. A base portion176 may be provided at the bottom of the side portion 174 to provide aplace for the user to step and apply force to drive one or moreanchoring portions 178, such as spikes or the like, into the ground orother foundation on which the mounting frame 170 is being mounted. Aplurality of the anchoring portions 178 may be provided so that themagnetic sign holder system does not move around an axis due to wind orother forces. Various other example embodiments may provide the one ormore anchoring portions 178 directly to the bottom of the side portion174, without the base portion 176 being provided. The anchoring portions178 may be formed of the same material as the mounting frame 170, andmay be formed integrally as part of the mounting frame 170. In othervarious example embodiments, the anchoring portions 178 may be formed ofa different material and/or attached to the mounting frame 170. In stillother various example embodiments, the single side portion 174 maysimply be provided with an angled end such as those provided to theexample embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C illustrate a magnetic sign holder systemincluding an alternate embodiment mounting frame according to anotherexample embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Themagnetic sign holder system in this example embodiment includes amagnetic sign holder 10 coupled to a mounting frame 270 in a similarfashion to the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, but a topportion 272 of the mounting frame 270 illustrated in FIG. 17 issupported by a single side portion 274. By way of comparison to therectilinear embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, mounting frame 270 has acylindrical form with filleted corners. Such a configuration may providea more desirable appearance to some users. In order to prevent migrationof magnetic sign holder 10 along the top portion 272, at least onegroove member 280 is disposed along the top portion 272 for receiving atleast one s-hook 87 as illustrated in FIG. 8. Those skilled in the artwill recognize that groove member 280 can be provided by selectivelybending a selected portion of top member 272, as illustrated in FIG.19B, or by cutting (or grinding) a selected portion of top member 272,as illustrated in FIG. 19C. A base portion 276 may be provided at thebottom of the side portion 274 to provide a place for the user to stepand apply force to drive one or more anchoring portions 278, such asspikes or the like, into the ground or other foundation on which themounting frame 270 is being mounted. A plurality of the anchoringportions 278 may be provided so that the magnetic sign holder systemdoes not move around an axis due to wind or other forces. Various otherexample embodiments may provide the one or more anchoring portions 278directly to the bottom of the side portion 274, without the base portion276 being provided. The anchoring portions 278 may be formed of the samematerial as the mounting frame 270, and may be formed integrally as partof the mounting frame 270. In other various example embodiments, theanchoring portions 278 may be formed of a different material and/orattached to the mounting frame 270. In still other various exampleembodiments, the single side portion 274 may simply be provided with anangled end such as those provided to the example embodiment illustratedin FIG. 8.

According to various embodiments of the present general inventiveconcept, a magnetic sign holder on which one or more magnetic signs maybe accommodated and readily exchanged, and which may be easily attachedto different types of supporting members, is provided. According tovarious example embodiments, the magnetic sign holder may include asubstantially flat accommodating portion formed of a ferromagneticmaterial to accommodate the magnetic sign, and one or more mountingbrackets extending from one or more sides of the accommodating portionto affix the holder to a supporting member. According to other variousexample embodiments of the present general inventive concept, a magneticsign holder system may include a mounting frame to which a magnetic signmay be coupled. According to other various example embodiments of thepresent general inventive concept, a method of producing a personalizedmagnetic sign may be provided by which a user may choose an image whichis then affixed to a magnetic sign, such as by providing a digitalversion of the image to be printed on the magnetic sign. According toother various example embodiments, the magnetic sign may be providedwith a transparent covering that may be illustrated and changed by theuser, and may include adhesive indicia to further decorate the magneticsign. According to other various example embodiments, the magnetic signholder may be provided with one or more bracing members to help preventtwisting or other deformations of the sign holder.

It is noted that the simplified diagrams and drawings do not illustrateall the various connections and assemblies of the various components,however, those skilled in the art will understand how to implement suchconnections and assemblies, based on the illustrated components,figures, and descriptions provided herein, using sound engineeringjudgment.

Numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments arepossible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, andembodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope ofthe present general inventive concept. For example, regardless of thecontent of any portion of this application, unless clearly specified tothe contrary, there is no requirement for the inclusion in any claimherein or of any application claiming priority hereto of any particulardescribed or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence ofsuch activities, or any particular interrelationship of such elements.Moreover, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed bymultiple entities, and/or any element can be duplicated.

While the present general inventive concept has been illustrated bydescription of several example embodiments, it is not the intention ofthe applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the inventiveconcept to such descriptions and illustrations. Instead, thedescriptions, drawings, and claims herein are to be regarded asillustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and additionalembodiments will readily appear to those skilled in the art upon readingthe above description and drawings.

1. A magnetic sign holder comprising: a substantially flat accommodatingportion formed of a ferromagnetic material to accommodate a magneticsign; and one or more mounting brackets extending from one or more sidesof the accommodating portion to affix the magnetic sign holder to asupporting member, each of the mounting brackets being configured withat least one through hole to receive an attachment member to affix themagnetic sign holder to the supporting member.
 2. The magnetic signholder of claim 1, comprising two mounting brackets extending from oneside of the accommodating portion.
 3. The magnetic sign holder of claim2, wherein each of the mounting brackets are bent approximately 90degrees at a predetermined point between the accommodating portion andthe through hole.
 4. The magnetic sign holder of claim 1, comprising oneor more mounting brackets extending from each of two adjacent sides ofthe accommodating portion.
 5. The magnetic sign holder of claim 1,further comprising one or more decorative bodies extending from one ormore sides of the accommodating portion.
 6. The magnetic sign holder ofclaim 5, wherein the one or more decorative bodies are a lace pattern.7. The magnetic sign holder of claim 1, further comprising at least onebracing member extending between the mounting brackets to reducedeformation of the accommodating portion due to external forces on theaccommodating portion.
 8. The magnetic sign holder of claim 1, furthercomprising an attachable supporting member configured to be attachableto the mounting brackets and a support structure.
 9. A method ofproducing a personalized magnetic sign, the method comprising:displaying a user interface to be used by a user to personalize amagnetic sign; acquiring an image desired by a user to be provided on amagnetic sign; and applying the image to the magnetic sign.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the user interface is provided through anonline website.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the user interface isprovided at a local display.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein theimage includes information from one or more images scanned at the localdisplay.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the image includes digitaldata uploaded by the user.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the imageincludes one or more photographs, illustrations, alphanumericcharacters, logos, or any combination thereof.
 15. The method of claim9, further comprising displaying one or more previously storedphotographs, illustrations, alphanumeric characters, logos, or anycombination thereof that a user may choose to include in thepersonalized magnetic sign.
 16. A magnetic sign comprising: a base layerof ferromagnetic material having a fixed design provided on at least oneside, the base layer being configured to be magnetically attracted to amagnetic sign holder in a direction opposite the fixed design; and atransparent covering, adhered to the at least one side of the base layerhaving the fixed design, configured to receive and support temporarymarkings made by a marking instrument.
 17. The magnetic sign of claim16, wherein the transparent covering comprises one or more plasticand/or polycarbonate materials.
 18. The magnetic sign of claim 17,wherein the transparent covering comprises polyethylene, polyvinyl,polypropylene, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, or any combinationthereof.
 19. The magnetic sign of claim 16, wherein at least a portionof the fixed design is provided with delineated areas designatingcorresponding areas of the transparent covering to be illustrated withthe temporary markings.
 20. The magnetic sign of claim 19, wherein thedelineated areas include indicators corresponding to one or morepreferred colors to be used for the respective delineated areas.